Septoplasty

Often septoplasty is carried out in combination with rhinoplasty (nose reshaping surgery or ‘nose job’) and this surgery is then called septorhinoplasty.

Commonquestions

What is septoplasty?

Septoplasty surgery is carried out to straighten a deviated septum where it is damaged or if one side of your nasal passage is smaller than the other.

What happens during septoplasty?

The exact type of procedure you have will depend on your specific condition; your surgeon will discuss this with you in detail before the operation.

The septoplasty will be carried out under general anaesthetic so you’ll be asleep during the operation. Your surgeon should not need to make cuts on the outside of the nose, but will be able to reposition the septum into the correct midline position by operating only on the inside of the nose.

The operation should last around an hour depending on how complicated the procedure is. Immediately after the operation your nose will be packed with a dressing to control bleeding.

Why would I have septoplasty?

You must have a septoplasty if you breathing difficulties, chronic sinus infections, stagnating mucus, inflammation and irritation.

What should I expect after surgery?

Some patients will be able to go home on the same day as the operation. We’ll remove the packing from your nose and arrange any follow-up appointments with you before you leave hospital.

Your nose will feel blocked for a few days and to prevent the risk of bleeding you should avoid strenuous activity and avoid blowing your nose for a few weeks. Most people recover very well after a septoplasty but it may take up to 12 months for the full benefits to be felt.